The Rio Volcán drains out of the high Andes in the Santiago Metropolitan Region and is typically run as two distinct sections — an upper and a lower — each offering a markedly different experience.

The upper Volcán is a cold, silty river characterized by a steep, continuous gradient and relentless whitewater. The water carries a heavy sediment load, giving it a turbid appearance, and the current is tight and pushy throughout. The rapids are largely the product of landslide debris and appear to be in a state of continual change. This section features some of the most sustained, continuous action of any run in Chile, making it a serious undertaking suited to experienced paddlers comfortable with high-commitment whitewater.

The lower Volcán shares the same turbid, silty character and maintains a steep, continuous gradient, but the intensity of the rapids is considerably reduced compared to the upper run. The most notable drops on the lower section are concentrated near the take-out. While the lower run is more accessible in terms of difficulty, it still demands attention given the river's persistent gradient and murky water, which can obscure underwater features.

Both sections are located within reach of Santiago, placing them in the same general corridor as other well-known Maipo Valley runs. Paddlers planning a trip to the Volcán should be prepared for cold water temperatures given the river's Andean origins, and should account for the silty conditions when assessing visibility and hazard identification on the water.